Lee Johnson has three positive updates as he gives full Sunderland injury overview

Wright was substituted during Sunderland's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday night after suffering a facial injury in a nasty clash of heads with Aaron Drinan.

The centre-half has suffered a minor concussion, but is generally recovering well and is set to return to the squad before long.

"Bailey is really well, he's in a good place," Johnson said.

"He was mildly concussed which means that we now have to conform to the concussion protocols. We have to take him through a series of tests mentally and physically with the doctor as well to see how he is.

"This Saturday may well come too soon for him but at the same time, we'll leave up to the doctor and his opinion."

There was a further boost in that part of the pitch for Johnson on Thursday as Tom Flanagan returned to training after a broken metatarsal.

"Tom trained today," Johnson said.

"He's still feeling little bits of pain but we believe the bone has healed, which is what's important.

"He's a tough lad and he can cope with a bit of pain, because he will get the little impingements now and then."

Wright's absence will likely give Wolves loanee Dion Sanderson another chance to impress in his natural position.

Johnson has said throughout this month that he believes Sanderson has a big part to play, with Wolves content to leave him on Wearside for the duration of the campaign.

"I think the only bit where Dion has been really unlucky is the fact that he played for Wolves in the Papa John's Trophy earlier this season," Johnson said.

"That's probably been the biggest frustration because he builds up a head of steam, whether it be in training or in games, and then he's inelgible and someone else comes in.

"That player has often come in and done well.

"I think Dion's a player of high potential, he's going to chip away at getting minutes between now and the end of the season, without a doubt.

"He's just got to continue on his development path and improve day by day."

Johnson also confirmed that Dan Neil has returned to training after an ankle problem.

That is a boost for both player and club as it could potentially bring him into contention for the Papa John’s Trophy quarter final against MK Dons on Tuesday night.

"Dan has his first day back in training today,” Johnson said.

"He looked good, it didn’t look like it was restricting him in any way.”

The Sunderland head coach has previously said that his stance on a potential loan for Neil before the end of the January window was that it might not suit any party.

Johnson believes League Two is the best avenue for a potential loan, but feels he might need Neil before the season is out and there is no way of recalling a player from a loan to a fellow league club.

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